To perform the identification test of Honey | Pharmacognosy

Aim: To perform the identification test of Honey.

Requirements: Test-tube, Measuring cylinder, stirrer, Honey, Various reagents.

THEORY:

HONEY

Synonyms: Madhu, Honey Purified, Mel.

Biological Source: It is a sugar secretion deposited in Honeycomb by bees, Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata, and other species of Apis.

Belonging to family Apidae, order Hymenoptera.

Macroscopy:

Colour: Pale Yellow to Brownish yellow

Odour : Pleasant characteristic

Taste: Sweet & Faintly acid.

Chemical constituents:

Honey is aqueous solution of glucose 35 % (± 3%), fructose 45% (± 5%) and sucrose about 2 %. Other constituent are maltose, gum, traces of succinic acid, acetic acid, dextrin, formic acid, colouring matters, enzymes (invertase, diastase, inulase) and traces of vitamins.

PROCEDURE:

Chemical Test	Observation	Inferences
Honey sample + Fehling's Solution A & B	Red PPT.	Honey may be Present
Honey solution + Molisch's reagent + Conc. H2SO4	Purple colour rising formed	Honey may be Present

Result:

Identification test of Honey was confirmed.

USES:

Used as demulcent and sweetening agent. It is antiseptic and applied to burns, wounds. Used in cough mixture, cough drop. Used in preparation of creams, lotions, soft drinks & candies.

Reference: Kokate. C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhale S.B., " A Textbook of pharmacognosy", Nirali Prakashan, 46th edition, Volume I&II, 2010, 7.39,7.40